GP Referral Pathways

The philosophy of an integrated cancer service is that hospitals and primary and community health services develop integrated care and defined referral pathways for the populations they serve.

This requires effective collaboration between hospitals and community-based services, including general practitioners. This will promote more effective local coordination of care for cancer patients, and a more rational, evidence-based approach to cancer service planning and delivery.

The Murray Primary Health Network (MPHN) has a monthly newsletter that is a great tool for health professionals to access. Click here to access.

GP Symptom Matrix for suspected cancer

This resource is currently being finalised and will be available to GPs shortly.

This simple guide has been developed by the Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Service (LMICS) and Murray Primary Health Network based on Cancer Council Victoria and Australia publications such as the Optimal Care Pathways and IPACED cards. The goal is to assist GPs rapidly identify which tests to order and which referrals to make for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of cancer. The top ten tumour groups, and location of treatment. The guide includes: Symptoms to include in referrals, GP led investigations required and contact details for the most common referral pathway for patients in Central Victoria region. Please contact lmics@bendigohealth.org.au if you would like to recommend a change to this directory.

GP Oncology Hotline

GPs can speak directly to a Medical Oncologist between the hours of 8.30am – 5pm, Monday-Frida, if you are a GP who refers cancer patients to Bendigo Health.

If you need an opinion regarding a time critical clinical decision or urgent referral guidelines for suspected cancer please call 5454 8890. Please click here to see the GP Oncology Hotline Postcard.